Events

gfjkjAU MSME forum Abuja set to advance African business growth

Published

1 year ago

June 21, 2025

AU MSME Forum Abuja to unite over 50 African nations in driving small business development, financing, and digital transformation across the continent

AU MSME Forum Abuja will bring together delegates from over 50 African countries between June 23 and 27, 2025, as Nigeria hosts the fourth edition of the African Union’s continental gathering on micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.

Also read: Nigeria calls for tourism-led growth at UN Africa summit in Abuja

The forum is set to deepen economic integration, enhance digital transformation, and unlock financing opportunities for Africa’s millions of small business operators.

Announced by Stanley Nkwocha, spokesperson to Vice President Kashim Shettima, the event aims to reshape the future of MSMEs on the continent.

The Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, said the summit will prioritise inclusive growth, policy reform, and strategic partnerships that empower entrepreneurs to compete across borders.

“The principal objective is to empower Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises, develop intra-African value chains, and strengthen policies on MSME development through fostering strategic partnerships,” Hadejia noted during a press briefing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Stakeholders from across Nigeria’s business ecosystem have been encouraged to participate, as the forum presents opportunities to form new investment alliances and expand access to African markets.

The Federal Government has positioned the forum as a cornerstone of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s drive for economic reform and continental collaboration.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, praised the event as a strong indication of Nigeria’s economic openness.

“This forum is one of the first steps in opening up our economy to the rest of the world,” Idris said, urging media organisations to support efforts to ensure a successful event.

The forum will feature discussions on easing access to affordable financing, accelerating digital integration for African MSMEs, and improving market entry frameworks. It also intends to facilitate meaningful dialogue between policymakers, financiers, and entrepreneurs.

Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musawa, said the event would strengthen the country’s creative and tourism sectors through a shared commitment to sustainable enterprise development.

With a renewed focus on intra-African trade, the AU MSME Forum Abuja is expected to energise a broad spectrum of industries, from tech start-ups to rural producers, offering a platform to scale ideas and forge new business frontiers.

Also read: Nigeria set to host 68th UN tourism commission for Africa meeting in Abuja

As the continent continues to drive toward the African Continental Free Trade Area goals, the forum is poised to shape a more connected and competitive future for small businesses across Africa.

Up Next

Afreximbank annual meetings Abuja to unveil billion-dollar trade deals

Don't Miss

From Ideas to Global Businesses: Lagos Bill Seeks to Enable Tech Pipeline

Click to comment

Culture

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

1 week ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.